A Desirable Tongue

The large garden bumblebee was introduced into New Zealand because of its long tongue. It is able to fertilise crop flowers that other bees cannot. I was taking a photo of the first praying mantis ootheca (egg case) of the season when the bee dropped in beside me and began poking her tongue in and out rapidly. I took numerous shots, but this was the best I captured. Her tongue is actually as long as her body. The poor thing is infested with mites, a problem for bumblebees late summer and autumn.

I am not much use at present. The swelling on my nose has gone down, but wearing my glasses gives me a headache. They must be bent. I’m trying to do without them, which is limiting. My back is still giving me pain.